Zoonotic disease control

Zoonotic illnesses are difficult to manage, owing to their animal reservoirs. Most zoonotic diseases, unlike smallpox and polio, cannot be eliminated with rigorous human vaccination efforts. Instead, successful management is based on techniques targeted at minimizing disease burden in wild animals. For example, in the case of rabies, the distribution of baits carrying oral rabies vaccination has resulted in the near-eradication or eradication of variant rabies (e.g., the Arctic fox and red fox variants) from regional wildlife reservoirs (e.g., foxes and raccoons).

When people live in close proximity to domestic animals such as poultry and cattle, the danger of zoonotic illness increases. Although the method makes optimal use of limited land resources and provides continual care and protection for the animals, it also raises the danger of people being infected with disease agents such as HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza—e.g., H5N1 virus). Pets, which are frequently found in human households, are a common source of zoonotic illness.

Even in regions where human dwellings and animal facilities are separated, zoonotic illnesses represent a risk to people, owing to human interaction with animals. Large E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks, for example, have been linked to dairy farms, farm-based children's day camps, social gatherings held in facilities previously used for animal shows, fair petting zoos, and polluted fair water systems. Animal management to limit disease burden, management of animal and human connections, and education to reduce exposure are critical control techniques in households and public settings (particularly by handwashing).